A big bonus of being an Atlanta parent is that we have some of the nation’s most tot-tastic attractions right here in town. But all that excitement comes at a pretty price. Here’s our two cents for which Atlanta attraction and museum memberships give you the most bang for your buck. Zoo Atlanta
Main Attraction: The giant pandas and a bumper crop of babies that will make your little critters go wild.
Price: Family memberships start at $119 for 2 adults and 4 children under 18. If all your tots are under age 3, the $99 Companion Pass will cover your gang. If needed, you can add on a named guest for $30 if you have a caregiver or grandparent that needs a pass.
Perks: Free admission 363 days a year and invitations to member-only events are some of the benefits plus discounts on birthday parties, Safari Day Camp, family programs, rides and at the shop. Your membership gives you reciprocal admission to zoos and aquariums around the country.
Worth It? If you go more than once a year it is worth it for a family of four. Regular admission is $21.99 for adults and $16.99 for children ages 3-12.
800 Cherokee Ave. SE, 404-624-5600, zooatlanta.org Georgia Aquarium
Main Attraction: World’s largest aquarium, ‘nuff said. Price: An adult annual pass runs $69.95, while children (ages 3 to 13) are $52.95.
Perks: Free tickets to Dolphin Tales and the 3D Wondershow plus discounts on Behind the Scenes Tours, at gift shop and on tickets purchased for friends.
Worth It? If you’d go more than two times. Regular admission is $31.95 for adults and $21.95 for children.
225 Baker St. NW, 404-581-4000, georgiaaquarium.org Atlanta Botanical Garden
Main Attraction: The children’s garden is an oasis for city kids to run free and their fam-friendly programs like Imaginary Worlds and Scarecrows in the Garden will really grow on you.
Price: Family membership runs $99 for two adults and their children or grandchildren. One adult may be unnamed, allowing you to bring a different guest each time.
Perks: Reciprocal admission to 200 other gardens and arboreta; discounts to special events and educational programs; 10% discount at some area garden centers.
Worth It? For a family of four if you’d go more than once. Regular admission is $18.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages 3-12.
1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, 404-876-5859, atlantabotanicalgarden.org The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Main Attraction: This “smart place to play” is packed with areas for the under 8 set to explore. With “Imaginators” on hand leading various crafts and shows, there is always some sort of fun edu-tainment happening here.
Price: Membership pricing ranges from $75 (1 child, 1 adult) to $145 (2 adults, 1 caregiver and unlimited children) based on the size of your brood.
Perks: Free tickets to share with friends; reciprocal admission to 160 nationwide children’s museums, including INK in Gainesville; discounts on purchases and special events, including birthday parties and camps.
Worth It? For a family of four if you go more than two times. Regular admission is $12.75 for adults and children ages 3 and above.
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., 404-659-5437, childrensmuseumatlanta.org High Museum
Main Attraction: The Toddler Thursdays and Arts & Rec Family Days programs are an artful way to incorporate art education into their routine. Price: $95 family membership for one or two adults and their children or grandchildren.
Perks: Discounts on purchases, parking, and $5 walk-up tickets for friends.
Worth It? For a family of four if you’d go more than one time, unless you have very small children. Regular admission is $19.50 for adults; $12 for children 6-17; and free for ages 5 and under.
1280 Peachtree St NE, 404-733-4444, high.org Fernbank Museum
Main Attraction: Even if your kid isn’t dedicated to dinos, there is plenty of opportunity for discovery at this natural history museum. The third floor play area is always a hit and the ever-evolving exhibits make science fun.
Price: $120 for two adults and 4 children. One adult and the children don’t have to be named, so you can bring guests.
Perks: Reciprocal admission to 200 science museums; discounts on IMAX tickets; special discounts on camps and birthday parties.
Worth It? For a family of four if you’d go more than one time. Regular admission is $18 for adults and $16 for children 3-12.
767 Clifton Rd. NE, 404-929-6300, fernbankmuseum.org Center for Puppetry Arts
Main Attraction: One of the leading center for puppetry arts in the world, their ever changing rotation of performances always delights the small set.
Price: An individual membership runs $60-89 to include two discounted tickets per performance. Family memberships start at $90 and will clear you for up to five member tickets at a time at the discounted rate.
Perks: Members receive a 45% discount on performance tickets (for up to 5 tickets at a time), priority seating and a 10% discount at the shop.
Worth It? If your little one is old enough to sit still for the shows it is a smart buy. The priority seating makes for a more enjoyable viewing for the wee ones.
1404 Spring St NW, 404-873-3391, puppet.org
Which membership do you think is the most bang for your buck? Tell us in the comments section below!
—Phebe Wahl
Photos courtesy of Atlanta Botanical Garden, Fernbank Museum, High Museum, Center for Puppetry Arts, Children’s Museum of Atlanta, and Georgia Aquarium via Facebook
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